The safety of our plant and animal production systems depends on our ability to rapidly identify foreign pathogens and other pests, whether introduced intentionally through bio-terrorism or unintentionally.
To this end, NIFA has established two national networks of existing diagnostic laboratories to rapidly and accurately detect and report pathogens of national interest and provide timely information and training to state university diagnostic labs.
The National Plant Diagnostic Network is led by five regional labs (Cornell University, University of Florida, Michigan State University, Kansas State University, and the University of California-Davis) and one support lab (Texas Tech University).
The National Animal Health Laboratory Network is led by five core labs (University of Georgia, Texas A&M University, the University of California-Davis, University of Wisconsin, and Colorado State University), seven satellite labs (Cornell University, Rollins Laboratory in North Carolina, Louisiana State University, Florida Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Arizona, Washington State University, and Iowa State University), and one support lab (Oklahoma State University).
These facilities will help to link growers, field consultants, and other university diagnostic labs to coordinate regional detection and provide inter-regional communication in the event of an invasive species outbreak.